Maggie the Rescued Dog and The R.O.A.R. Squad

It wasn’t easy being a dog on the run. But one day, when life was oh so rough, somebody came to my rescue. I must have been quite a sight and in some human’s estimation a bit too much to handle. Thankfully, people who truly cared didn’t give up on me. In fact, I was taken to live with guys who actually dwell behind bars. Yes, they call these men prisoners, or inmates. They live in the "big house". They gave me the attention I needed, taught me some dog gone manners. And before I knew it, they considered me rehabilitated.

One day the men who live behind the great big high razor topped fence told me it was time for me to go. A nice family came and picked me up. They knew all about dogs and forever homes and knew I had some ruff stuff baggage to deal with.

My new friends had this look in their eyes like they needed me, so I decided to "rescue" them. I got to ride in their car and went to live in their house. It was a new experience being a member of a real family, and I had so many things to learn. But now I am happy to report that this inmate trained pup is doing great. Thanks to the prisoners who trained me, and the rescue shelter that saved me (Second Chance Animal Shelter), I am experiencing a happy and healthy life – Yes It’s a Dog’s Life – and it’s GREAT!. We are excited to see our Rescue Animal story featured in FidoandWino.com as R.O.A.R. Squad members from the State of Idaho.

The R.O.A.R. Squad (Rescue Owners are Rockin) is the ingenious idea of a lady named Shauna who lives in a great smelling country, our neighbor to the north, Canada. She has a couple lovable canines in her family, and has first hand experience in compassion for pets that have found themselves as outcasts in society, "throw aways". Shauna had this terrific idea to encourage humans to help us non-humans (some people call us pets) by inviting a rescue animal into your family and giving it a forever home. She created an awesome blog that features Rescue Owners and their rescued animals from every province in Canada and every state in the USA. We think that is DROOLIN COOL!

So wag your tail and jump on over to the FidoandWino Blog, say hello to Shauna, John, Mickey and Kayloo. While you’re at it check out the article about our family. Julie, Murry and Maggie – R.O.A.R. Squad Members from Idaho.

Maggie the Rescued, Canine Contributor
Read More About Our Adoption Story

Can I Give My Dog Raisins? How About Grapes? Learn About Lesser-Known Dog Health Hazards In Your Home!

Guest Writer: Alicia
http://bisketbaskets.com
Follow her at Twitter.com/BisketBaskets

BisketBaskets.com is here to share their insight and expertise on lesser-known household products and foods that can harm your canine best friend. Bisket Baskets was the first company to design and sell Pet Gift Baskets, ensuring their baskets have only pet-approved treats in them! Their Gourmet Gift Baskets are quite delightful for the humans, too!

We’ve all heard that we should keep our pups away from chocolate and poinsettia plants, but did you know that ferns, garlic, and even raisins can be harmful for your pooch? There’s a whole slew of common home products that can harm your pet, and some of them you wouldn’t even think of! All of us here at BisketBaskets.com have grown up with dogs and of course have dogs in our adult lives, so we know firsthand how important it is to keep your dog healthy and happy. After all, they’re a part of our family, and such loyal companions!

Common household items like mothballs and cleaners are pretty obvious hazards, but you may not realize giving your dog acetaminophen and ibuprofen products can also hurt your pet. They do make dog-friendly versions, so stick with those! It’s important to also keep your dog away from reed diffuser oil (the smell can be tempting!), fly fishing bait, and your vitamins.

Most plants are also a “no”, so keep them on shelving your dog can’t reach, or be sure you have a watchful eye over him or her if you have plants lower to the ground. If you notice your dog has been chomping on plants, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for help, at 1-888-426-4435.

We were quite surprised to see that dogs should avoid garlic and raisins – as well as grapes, onions, avocados, and even macadamia nuts! Of course, it’s always best to feed your dog healthy dog foods and treats specifically designed for our canine friends, helping to keep your dog healthy and in shape. All chocolate should be definitely avoided, as well.

Be careful with objects left lying around the house, such as spare coins, hair pins, and paper clips. Your dog may want to play with these “toys”, and end up with getting one stuck in her or her throat! Do your best to use common sense and judgment in determining what can be left around the house, and what should be tucked safely away.

Does that seem like quite a big “don’t” list? Just like humans, dogs have special dietary needs – you wouldn’t feel too swell after eating a ton of fatty foods, would you? Table food might seem like a tasty treat for your pooch, but stick to dog food and healthy dog teats – after all, it’s made for dogs!

Do you know of any other common household items that are an absolute “no” for dogs? Share your insight with us!